On the evening of April 6, the Turkish rescue team travelled over 8,000 kilometers (about 4970.97 mi) to Taiwan to give their support. As soon as they landed at Taoyuan International Airport, they swiftly boarded a train to Hualien, marking the first overseas team to join relief efforts. Their arrival marks a long-lasting connection established through past disaster collaborations, notably with Tzu Chi Foundation.
Po-Wen Yen, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation said: "Last year, on February 6, after the major Türkiye-Syria Earthquake, Taiwan's search and rescue team swiftly arrived in Türkiye to participate in rescue efforts, receiving high recognition from the Turkish government. Tzu Chi’s relief team from Taiwan was led by Ching-kuei Hsieh and Deputy CEO Simon Shyong."
Tzu Chi volunteer, Ching-kuei Hsieh said: "With the connections that we have formed, whenever disasters strike in either country, as long as we are able to, we will reach out and go the distance to help each other."
In the early morning of April 7, at around 7 o'clock, the seven members of the Turkish search and rescue team, armed with drones and professional equipment, partnered with Taiwan firefighters at the Taroko Public Works Section to organize aerial searches to help locate the remaining missing people.
Accompanying the Turkish team is Tzu Chi Türkiye volunteer David Yu, who has dedicated himself to charity work in Türkiye for many years, and volunteer Aaron Yang, who is experienced in international disaster relief.
The professional team arrived primarily due to the immense depth of the Taroko Gorge and communication challenges. Taiwan faces difficulties with unmanned aerial vehicle equipment and operational expertise. With the addition of this foreign force, the rescue capabilities will greatly improve, and overcome barriers to save lives in a cross-border effort. This highlights the boundless love and compassionate power that transcends borders, conquering mountains and valleys.
